Daily Maintenance
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Dust the table often. Use a dry soft cloth and move in the direction of the wood grain. This will remove abrasive particles from the surface.
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Wash the table off with a mild, non-alkaline soap and sponge. A diluted hand soap works well on wood. Dry with a soft cloth; buff going with the grain.
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Create a safe furniture polish at home by combining one part lemon oil with three parts olive oil. Apply with a soft cloth moving with the grain. Buff dry. A varnished wood table does not necessarily need further polishing, but if you want to give it a shiny gleam, polishing will achieve this. Avoid waxing or using any type of polish or cleaning product that contains silicone, alcohol, or ammonia.
Water Spots
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Let spot air dry completely.
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Wipe mayonnaise over spot with a soft cloth. For tougher spots, try white toothpaste or a mixture of cigarette ashes and lemon juice or cooking oil.
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Rinse clean with water and buff dry.
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Use wooden coasters with felt bottoms for drinks. Moisture and heat can do the most damage to wooden furniture.
Heat Marks
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Rub heat mark with an extra fine dry steel wool soap pad.
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Move in the direction of the grain in a gentle motion until you see the mark disappear.
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Wipe it down with a soft cloth dipped in camphorated oil mineral spirits.
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Rinse clean with water and buff dry.